Raising your hand. Asking a question. The fear of speaking up when topics are confusing can make these already difficult classes even more challenging. The large population at ELHS can make classes and school in general feel like a competition, especially in the honors and AP classrooms where students are constantly comparing grades.

“Comparison is the thief of joy” is a common classroom quote used by English teacher Emily Archer. Ms. Archer believes that comparison is unproductive and that it halts growth for many people, not just teens. For many students, her English classroom is a safe haven where they aren’t afraid to ask questions and use their voice. But, this isn’t the case for many honors level students in other classes.

Sophomore Jane Campbell’s honors experience has been an ongoing challenge. Being surrounded with peers competing for the best grades is a troubling, never ending comparison. The fear of asking questions and getting questions wrong has begun to overshadow the yearning to learn more.

“I just get so paralyzed with fear that I can’t [ask questions] because is that admitting that I am not good enough?” Campbell said. Being in a classroom with people who seem to “already know the answers,” sparks a fear
in many honors level students.

“I don’t participate because I’m afraid of what my peers will think of me, especially if I get the question wrong,” junior Maheera Hassan said. She finds herself in classes that aren’t the best fit for her, but the familiar fear
of feeling less than if one were to drop down a level has made the process all the more difficult. The pressure to take higher level classes has halted not just Hassan, but many other students from being able to thrive in classes that are just right for them.

“It really comes down to priorities. I know that I would rather spend the weekends hanging out with my friends and family than doing school work,” Hassan said to the topic of changing levels due to the heavy workload. It can be increasingly more difficult for many honors and AP students to make time to spend with friends and family. Hassan
emphasizes the importance of boundaries and knowing how to separate your social and school life.

Senior Kayleigh Jensen throughout her time at ELHS has found her own happy medium between these two lives. As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, she explained the struggles of trying to be perfect while also trying to learn.

“Throughout my high school experience, I have come to understand that the best way for me to learn is for me to make a mistake,” Jensen said. Although, getting to that state of mind came with its own challenges. By overcoming the universal fear of raising her hand, she has become more confident in school.

Through trial and error, Jensen has discovered her own personal limits. She knows what classes are beneficial for her, and is able to make time for the sports she loves and the people she wants to spend time with.

“I think people are afraid to ask for help because they don’t want to admit they need help. Every teacher would want you to ask them [for help]. We are guides,” Ms. Archer explained.

“I think people are afraid to ask for help because they don’t want to admit they need help. Every teacher would want you to ask them [for help]. We are guides,” Ms. Archer explained.